CONSTITUTION
version: 1 October 1995
PREAMBLE
Recognizing the necessity of, and the mutual benefits to be derived from
an organization devoted to the sciences of Pharmacy and Chemistry, a
careful investigation into, and a free discussion of subjects relative to
the same:
We, the undersigned, do agree to form an association and for its
government to adopt the following Constitution and Bylaws:
C. E. Bond
A. G. Hopper
F. H. Frazee
G. P. Lemon
L. H. Gardner
A. S. Rogers
C. P. Godfrey
A. Thurston
A. G. Hoffman
C. Hueber
A. T. Waggoner
ARTICLE I - NAME AND OBJECTS
Section 1.
This association shall be known as the Phi Delta Chi Fraternity, hereafter
referred to as the Fraternity.
Section 2.
The objects of this association shall be to advance the science of
Pharmacy and its allied interests, and to foster and promote a fraternal
spirit among its members.
Section 3.
Being a coeducational fraternity, Phi Delta Chi does not discriminate
based on sex. The use of "he" and "his" in the Constitution and Bylaws is
nonspecific and does not refer to gender.
ARTICLE II - MEMBERSHIP AND ELIGIBILITY
Section 1.
There shall be a classification of membership known as Active Member. Any
person of good moral character being a student in actual attendance at a
recognized college or university, where there is a Chapter of Phi Delta
Chi, is eligible for active membership in the fraternity, if Pharmacy is
his major subject, or if he is registered in some other curriculum
designated by the college or university as a pre-pharmacy curriculum.
Section 2.
Any person initiated, having changed his course of study and being still
in actual attendance in the college or university where he was initiated
into Phi Delta Chi, shall remain active in that Chapter.
Section 3.
Any eligible person may become a member of the Fraternity by receiving the
favorable vote of three-fourth (3/4) vote of the active members of the
Chapter before which his name has been proposed, by signing the
Constitution and Bylaws, thereby agreeing to abide by them, by paying his
initiation fee, and by receiving proper initiation, according to the
Ritual.
Section 4.
There shall be a classification of membership known as Honorary Member.
Any person of good moral character, who has distinguished himself in the
profession of Pharmacy, may become an Honorary member of the Fraternity by
receiving at least a three-quarters vote of the Chapter before which his
name has been proposed and simple majority approval of the Executive
Council through the National Office, by signing the Constitution and by
agreeing to respect the part of the Ritual known as Omicron.
Section 5.
Honorary Members shall be entitled to all privileges of active members,
except taking part in such business that requires a vote of the Chapter,
and shall be exempt from financial obligations to the Fraternity. The
Chapter shall pay an initiation fee of an amount set by the Grand Council
for the honorary member.
Section 6.
There shall be a classification of membership known as Graduate Member.
Any person of good moral character who is engaged in professional pharmacy
or its allied fields shall be eligible for graduate membership. Such
members shall pay a per capita tax of an amount determined by the Grand
Council, shall pay for a membership certificate and shall purchase an
official badge and undergo a formal initiation. These members shall be
entitled to vote and shall be extended all privileges of members of
respective alumni chapters with which they are affiliated. They must be
accepted by a simple majority vote of an active chapters with approval of
an Alumni Chapter where such corresponding alumni chapter exists.
Alternately, a person may be accepted by a simple majority vote of an
organized alumni Chapter, along with approval of the Active Chapter, where
such corresponding Active Chapter exists.
Section 7.
No Active or Graduate member of Phi Delta Chi Fraternity shall join any
other professional fraternity of Pharmacy except Honor Societies that are
primarily devoted to recognizing scholarship and/or leadership. Any member
of Phi Delta Chi who joins any other professional pharmaceutical
Fraternity other than honorary shall be expelled.
Section 8.
Applications for a Charter of Phi Delta Chi shall be received from
organizations composed of students majoring in Pharmacy and/or a
curriculum designated pre-pharmacy at a recognized college or university.
Section 9.
The Executive Council shall be able to grant honorary membership to not
more than one person per year. A person may become an honorary member by
receiving at least two thirds (2/3) vote of the Executive Council and then
signing the Constitution and agreeing to respect the part of the Ritual
known as Omicron. The Executive Council shall not select faculty at
schools of pharmacy at which an Active Chapter of Phi Delta Chi exists.
The person shall become a member of a certain Chapter at the discretion of
and with the permission of that Active Chapter.
ARTICLE III - GOVERNMENT
The Grand Council - The Executive Council
Section 1.
The governing power of the Fraternity shall be vested in a Grand Council
and an Executive Council.
Section 2.
The Grand Council shall consist of the elected Grand Officers, and one
delegate from each active Chapter, one alumnus delegate from each Chapter
not having a duly organized alumni association, and one delegate from each
duly organized alumni association, each member having one vote.
Section 3.
The Executive Council shall consist of the Grand Past President, the Grand
President as Chairman, the Grand Vice President for Collegiate Affairs,
the Grand Vice President for Alumni Affairs, and the Grand Vice President
for Communications. The Executive Director shall be an ex-officio member
of the Executive Council.
Section 4.
The Grand Council in session shall be the supreme governing body of the
Fraternity and shall decide all matters which pertain to the Fraternity as
a whole; arrange plans for the welfare, improvement, and advancement of
the organization; elect the Grand Officers, amend the Constitution and
Bylaws, grant charters to organizations of eligible persons in recognized
colleges and universities; levy assessments on the Chapters; interpret the
Constitution, Bylaws and Ritual; review at each session the acts of the
Executive Council or any other governing body that may hereafter be
created, and have all general powers inherent in a supreme body.
Section 5.
The Executive Council shall be the governing body of the Fraternity when
the Grand Council is not in session. The acts of the Grand Council are to
be administered by it, and it shall have all the powers of the Grand
Council except: the power to amend the Constitution, Bylaws or the Ritual,
the power to assess the Chapters, and the power to review its own
proceedings.
Section 6.
The Executive Director shall present a complete report of the proceedings
of the Executive Council to the Grand Council for ratification or
rejection, said report to cover the period following the previous Grand
Council. Any acts so rejected are null and void and not binding upon the
Fraternity.
Section 7.
Meetings of the Grand Council and the Executive Council shall be open to
any member of the Fraternity in good standing.
Section 8.
The Grand Council shall elect from among the alumni of the Fraternity a
Grand President, Grand Vice President for Collegiate Affairs, Grand Vice
President for Alumni Affairs, and Grand Vice President for Communications.
The Grand Council shall elect, from among the Active Brothers of this
Fraternity, a Grand Vice President for Student Affairs who shall have at
least one academic year remaining in his educational curriculum. The
Executive Council shall appoint an Executive Director who shall serve at
its discretion.
Section 9.
The duty of the Grand President shall be to call meetings of the Grand
Council and the Executive Council to order at the appointed time; to
preside at such meetings; to preserve order and decorum; to assess fines;
to enforce the Constitution and Bylaws; and to act in all ways as the
Chief Executive of the Fraternity; he shall also deliver to his successor
all documents and property belonging to his office.
Section 10.
The duty of the Grand Vice President for Collegiate Affairs shall be to
supervise the activities of the Regional Directors for Collegiate Affairs
under the direction of the Grand and Executive Councils; and to deliver to
his successor all documents belong to his office. He shall be responsible
for the promotion of Chapter Standards, as approved by the Grand Council
and published in the Pledge Manual, and the Chapter Excellence and
Quality Program, as defined by the Executive Council in its policies and
procedures. He shall be responsible for organizing and coordinating the
judging of materials from the Achievement Award Program, with support of
the Executive Director and following procedures defined by the Executive
Council.
Section 11.
The duty of the Grand Vice President for Alumni Affairs shall be to
supervise the activities of the Regional Directors for Alumni Affairs
under the direction of the Grand and Executive Councils; and to deliver to
his successor all documents belonging to his office.
Section 12.
The duty of the Grand Vice President for Student Affairs shall be to
supervise the activities of the Regional Correspondents; chair meetings of
the Regional Correspondents; and conduct when feasible annual meetings of
the Regional Correspondents with assistance from the Executive Director.
It shall be his duty to implement and monitor the Dale W. Doerr
Achievement Award Program. He shall deliver to his successor all documents
belonging to his office.
Section 13.
The duty of the Grand Vice President for Communications shall be to edit
and manage the publication of a journal devoted to the Fraternity known as
The Communicator. This journal shall be published at least three
times annually, and an amount determined by the Executive Council shall be
collected from each active chapter to finance the publication of this
journal.
Section 14.
The office of the Grand Past President as specified in this Constitution,
shall be occupied by the retiring Grand President until his successor
shall qualify.
Section 15.
The duty of the Executive Director shall be to keep a complete record of
all proceedings of the Grand Council, of the Executive Council, and of his
office; to keep a complete record of the rental of official jewelry, pins
and other items purchased for or sold by the Executive Council to the
individual Chapters. It shall be his duty to direct the inspection of
Chapters, and serve as an intermediary between the individual Chapters and
the other officers of the Executive Council.
Section 16.
The Executive Director shall collect all funds of any nature due the Grand
Council; to disburse them only upon the duplicate order of the Grand
President, the Grand Council or the Executive Council; make a complete
accounting of such receipts and disbursements to the Grand Council at each
meeting; and deliver to his successor all property belonging to his
office.
Section 17.
Each Grand Officer except the Grand Past President shall present to each
Grand Council a report, with recommendations, covering the proceedings and
acts of his office.
Section 18.
The official acts of the Grand Council and the Executive Council are
binding upon every Chapter, and failure to observe and conform to them
shall constitute a cause for action toward forfeiture of charter.
Section 19.
In the event the Grand President cannot fulfill the term of his office, he
shall automatically be succeeded by the elected Grand Vice President for
Collegiate Affairs. In the event of a second vacancy within the term of
office of Grand President, this position shall automatically be filled by
the elected Grand Vice President for Alumni Affairs. In the event of any
other vacancy, the Executive Council shall within thirty days appoint an
eligible member to fill the vacancy until the next Grand Council meeting
when a new officer shall be elected.
Section 20.
The Executive Council shall have the power to sanction or revoke the
Charter of a Phi Delta Chi Chapter for gross violation of published
Chapter Standards, college policies, or law, after a hearing. The Grand
Council shall have the power to overturn such Executive Council sanctions
by a three-quarters vote, after a hearing at the next meeting of the Grand
Council, using trial regulations analogous to those set forth in Chapter
4, Number 16, of the Bylaws of Phi Delta Chi, with the appointed Grand
Officers presiding.
ARTICLE IV - CHAPTER GOVERNMENT
Section 1.
The chapter officers of the Fraternity shall consist of the Worthy Chief
Counselor (WCC) as President, Worthy Vice Counselor (WVC) as Vice
President, Worthy Keeper of Records and Seals (WKRS) as Secretary, Worthy
Correspondent (WC) as Corresponding Secretary, Worthy Keeper of Finance
(WKF) as Treasurer, Worthy Prelate (WP) as Chaplain, Worthy Master-at-Arms
(WMA), Worthy Inner Guard (WIG), Worthy Alumni Liaison Officer (WAL), and
such other officers as may be required or desirable.
Section 2.
Chapter election shall be held at a time determined by the chapter. The
chapter must be aware of the Achievement Award Program schedule of
December to November when setting the time for elections.
Section 3.
It shall be the duty of the Worthy Chief Counselor to call the meeting to
order at the appointed time; to preside over the meeting; to decide all
points of order; to preserve decorum; to enforce the Constitution, Bylaws,
and House Rules (where applicable); to levy all fines; to act in all ways
as the chief executive of the Chapter; and to turn over to his successor
all documents and property belonging to his office.
Section 4.
It shall be the duty of the Worthy Vice Counselor to assist the Worthy
Chief Counselor; perform all the duties and exercise all the authority of
the Worthy Chief Counselor in his absence; and to deliver to his successor
all documents and property belonging to his office.
Section 5.
It shall be the duty of the Worthy Keeper of Records and Seals to keep a
complete record of all the proceedings; to preserve manuscripts and
records of the Chapter; to call the roll at each meeting; to perform all
other duties pertaining to the office; and to deliver to his successor all
documents and property belonging to his office.
Section 6.
It shall be the duty of the Worthy Correspondent to receive all incoming
correspondence; to prepare and mail all outgoing correspondence; to
coordinate and submit to the proper persons all materials for the
Achievement Award Program; and to deliver to his successor all documents
belonging to his office.
Section 7.
It shall be the duty of the Worthy Keeper of Finance to collect and keep
all money, chattels, and securities of the Chapter; to render a written
account of the same at each meeting; to pay all bills and obligations
subject to the order of the Chapter; and to deliver to his successor all
documents and property belonging to his office.
Section 8.
It shall be the duty of the Worthy Prelate to conduct and supervise all
devotional exercises.
Section 9.
It shall be the duty of the Worthy Master-at-Arms to attend the door of
the Council Chamber; to receive the password; to prepare the Council
Chamber; to have charge of the regalia and of all candidates for
initiation; and to deliver to his successor all documents and
property belonging to his office.
Section 10.
It shall be the duty of the Worthy Inner Guard to attend the door during
initiation and to perform all the duties of the Worthy Master-at-Arms
during his absence.
Section 11.
It shall be the duty of the Worthy Alumni Liaison Officer to coordinate
communication between each collegiate chapter and its corresponding alumni
and alumni chapter where applicable; to assist with the publications of
the Chapter; to promote national alumni membership; and to deliver to his
successor all documents pertaining to his office.
Section 12.
Any chapter officer may be removed from office by the following
procedure:
(a) A petition requesting impeachment signed by a majority of the active
members shall be presented to the Worthy Chief Counselor.
(b) This petition and the evidence for removal shall be presented to the
Chapter within two weeks.
(c) A meeting shall follow within two weeks from the time the petition is
submitted to the active chapter, at which time the officer shall have the
opportunity to present evidence in his defense. At that time the officer
may be removed from office by 3/4 vote of the active chapter members.
(d) If the officer in question is the Worthy Chief Counselor, the Worthy
Vice Counselor shall preside at these meetings.
Section 13.
In the event of a vacancy in the office of Worthy Chief Counselor, the
Worthy Vice Counselor shall succeed to that office. In the event of a
vacancy in any other position, the Chapter shall hold a special election
to fill that vacancy.
ARTICLE V - CHAPTER OPERATIONS
Section 1.
The standing committees shall be:
(a) an Executive Committee, to consist of the Worthy Chief Counselor,
Worthy Vice Counselor, Worthy Keeper of Records and Seals, Worthy
Correspondent, and Worthy Keeper of Finance;
(b) an Auditing Committee, to consist of the Worthy Chief Counselor and
Worthy Vice Counselor and other members as deemed appropriate;
(c) a Membership Committee, to consist of three or more members to be
appointed by the Worthy Chief Counselor at the first regular meeting of
his term of office;
(d) a Social Committee to consist of three or more members to be appointed
by the Worthy Chief Counselor at the first regular meeting of his term of
office;
(e) an Achievement Award Committee, to consist of three or more members to
be appointed by the Worthy Chief Counselor with the advice and consent of
the Worthy Correspondent at the first regular meeting of his term of
office.
Section 2.
(a) It shall be the duty of the Executive Committee to interpret and
implement the policies of the Chapter; and to settle all misunderstandings
and irregularities not covered by specific articles in the Constitution,
Bylaws, or House Rules.
(b) It shall be the duty of the Auditing Committee to audit all the books
and accounts of the Chapter at least every two months and report the same
to the Chapter at the next regular meeting.
(c) It shall be the duty of the Membership Committee to investigate the
eligibility and character of any person whose name may be proposed for
membership.
(d) It shall be the duty of the Social Committee to provide for the
entertainment of guests and to coordinate all matters of a social nature
pertaining to the Chapter.
(e) It shall be the duty of the Achievement Award Committee to coordinate
all matters associated with the chapters participation in the Achievement
Award Program.
Section 3.
Regular meetings of the Chapter shall be held at least once in each two
week period during the regular school session.
Section 4.
Each Chapter shall elect to the regular meetings of the Grand Council one
active delegate; the expenses of the delegate, other than those paid by
the Grand Council as provided for in the Phi Delta Chi Bylaws, are to be
paid by the delegate or the chapter, or both. The Active Chapter or its
Alumni Chapter may also elect an Alumni Delegate, the expenses of this
delegate to be borne by the delegate or the Alumni Chapter or both.
Section 5.
Any Chapter failing to be represented by an active or an alumni delegate
at two (2) consecutive Grand Council meetings may be declared inactive and
its charter forfeited and vacated.
Section 6.
A Chapter may require of its officers any additional duties necessary and
not specifically mentioned in the Constitution and Bylaws.
Section 7.
Each Chapter shall adopt and enforce a set of Chapter Bylaws, and if in
rooms or a house, a set of House Rules. Their regulations shall be in
accordance with the Phi Deltas Chi Constitution and Bylaws.
Section 8.
Each Chapter shall present to the Grand Council at each meeting a report
containing such information as the said Council may require.
Section 9.
Each Chapter shall have the power to regulate the amounts of, and all
matters pertaining to, dues and assessments not specified in the Phi Delta
Chi Constitution and Bylaws.
Section 10.
Each Chapter shall select from the faculty of the host school of pharmacy
at least one Chapter Advisor.
ARTICLE VI - ALUMNI
Section 1.
When the number of alumni of any Chapter shall have reached ten or more,
they may form an organization whose Constitution and Bylaws must not be in
conflict with those of the Fraternity. A similar association may be formed
by ten or more alumni of different Chapters residing in one locality.
Under no other circumstances may the name of Phi Delta Chi be used by any
other group.
Section 2.
Organizations formed according to Article VI, Section 1, shall be under
the general supervision of the Executive Council and shall submit to said
Council once each year a report covering information required by the
Executive Council or by the Grand Council.
Section 3.
All Chapter alumni organizations shall elect annually a committee of three
to audit the books of the Worthy Keeper of Finance, and the Worthy Keeper
of Records and Seals of the active Chapter twice a year. In active
Chapters where there is not an organized alumni body it shall be the duty
of the Chapter Worthy Chief Counselor to appoint the committee. (This does
not affect the duties of the active Chapter Auditing Committee specified
in Article V, Section 2.)
ARTICLE VII - AMENDMENTS
Section 1.
This Constitution may be repealed or amended by the three-fourths (3/4)
vote of the Grand Council in session, provided such amendment has been
proposed one year prior to Grand Council, and said proposed amendment has
been forwarded in writing to the Executive Director who shall notify all
Active chapters and all Alumni chapters of record of the proposed
amendment at least ninety (90) days before the next regular meeting of the
Grand Council, or the Grand Council may have this power if the proposed
amendment appears in the minutes of the previous Grand Council meeting.
Section 2.
In periods of emergency, changes to the National Constitution and Bylaws
may be done by mail at the discretion of the Executive Council.
BYLAWS
CHAPTER I THE GRAND COUNCIL AND THE NATIONAL OFFICE
Number 1.
The term of each Grand Officer shall be from the time of installation at a
Grand Council meeting through the succeeding Grand Council until his
successor has been installed.
Number 2.
The Executive Director shall be placed under a bond to the Fraternity,
approved by the Executive Council of not less than one thousand dollars
($1,000.00).
Number 3.
Two percent of the total national income of the Fraternity shall be set
aside in each year to provide a permanent emergency fund to be invested in
United States Government Bonds or approved Banks. This fund shall not be
used except in cases of unusual emergency and then only on unanimous
approval of the Executive Council.
Number 4.
The Grand Council shall meet at least once in four years and may meet more
frequently if deemed advisable by the Executive Council. The Executive
Council shall determine the time and place for meetings of the Grand
Council.
Number 5.
Traveling expenses of the Grand Officers and Executive Director, and
expenses while in attendance at the Grand Council shall be paid out of the
National Treasury.
Number 6.
The Grand President shall at the time of the Grand Council appoint a
temporary Grand Master-At-Arms and a Grand Chaplain. The financial status
and accounts of the Fraternity shall be audited prior to each Grand
Council by an independent Certified Public Accountant appointed by the
Grand President. The Executive Director shall include the results of this
audit and its recommendations in his address to each Grand Council.
Number 7.
Voting on questions by Grand Council must be done by ballot upon demand of
any delegate.
Number 8.
A fine imposed upon unexcused absence or tardiness of active delegates at
Grand Council sessions shall be $5.00 for each occasion.
Number 9.
The Executive Director or his representative shall record the Minutes of
the Grand Council and distribute a copy of these Minutes to each of the
active chapters and national officers as soon as possible.
Number 10.
A petition for a Charter as a Chapter of Phi Delta Chi must be submitted
to the Executive Director or Grand President for a period of time deemed
necessary by the Executive Council before final action is taken, or before
it is presented to the Grand Council for such action. The Executive
Director must notify each Chapter immediately upon receipt of such a
petition, giving each Chapter all the necessary information concerning the
applicants, including the date on which final action may be taken by the
Grand Council or the Executive Council, copies of all correspondence up to
date of notification, scholastic standing, and photograph or snapshot
together with a brief history of each applicant (when deemed appropriate
by the Executive Council). The expense shall be paid by the petitioning
body. A favorable vote of at least three-fourths (3/4) of the active
Chapters shall be necessary before the Executive Council may take any
action on final granting of a charter. Failure of a Chapter to respond
within thirty days shall signify that it is in favor of the charter being
granted. The active Chapter vote being favorable, a unanimous vote of the
Executive Council shall still be necessary prior to granting of a charter.
Number 11.
Each new Chapter upon being installed shall pay an Installation Fee
including a Charter Fee of an amount determined by the Executive Council,
and the new chapter shall pay for membership certificates of the charter
members, rental of badges, proper books, regalia, and expenses of one
Grand Officer, or an officer appointed for the purpose by the Executive
Council, to install the new Chapter.
Number 12.
The Executive Council may from time to time elect a Board of Counselors.
This Board will recognize alumni Brothers who are Leaders in Pharmacy. The
Board of Counselors shall be an honorary, ambassadorial organization whose
purpose is to provide advice to the Executive Council.
Number 13.
The Executive Council may establish a not-for-profit educational
foundation, to be known as the Phi Delta Chi Pharmacy Education &
Leadership Institute, to further the leadership and other benevolent
missions of the Fraternity.
Number 14.
These Bylaws may be repealed or amended by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of a
Grand Council in session. Such repeal or amendment shall, however, have
been proposed at least one business session prior to the vote at the same
Grand Council meeting.
CHAPTER II - REGIONAL OPERATION
Number 1.
The chapters of Phi Delta Chi shall be divided into at least five (5)
distinct regions by the Executive Council in order to facilitate
communication and organization. Regional Directors may be appointed by the
Executive Council to assist in the administration of the region.
Number 2.
A Regional Correspondent shall be elected at each Regional Conference, and
all nominees for this office shall be in attendance at their respective
Regional Conference.
Number 3.
(a) The duties of the Regional Correspondent shall be to call meetings of
the Regional Conference to order at the appointed time; to preside at such
meetings; to preserve order and decorum; and to further act as the
executive officer of the region.
(b) Further, he shall keep a complete recording of all proceedings of the
region including a ledger of the attendant expenses during his term; to
present to the regional conference, at each meeting, a report with
recommendations, covering the proceedings and acts of his term; and to
deliver to his successor all documents and property belonging to the
office.
(c) It is the duty of the Regional Correspondent to aid Chapters with
service projects, fund raising, membership recruitment, to promote the
Achievement Award Program, and to offer other assistance as needed.
(d) Candidates for the office of Regional Correspondent shall be in good
academic standing and shall be able to complete his term while still
enrolled at a school of pharmacy.
Number 4.
(a) Each Region shall convene each year that the Grand Council is not in
session. Rotation of meeting sites will be based on Greek alphabetical
sequence of chapter names. Exceptions may be approved by the Executive
Council. Regional caucuses shall be held at least twice during Grand
Council meetings.
(b) Quorum for business sessions shall consist of delegates from at least
forty percent (40%) of Chapters in the region. Each active Chapter in
attendance shall have one vote, as will the Regional Correspondent and
Regional Director(s) in attendance.
Number 5.
One Regional Correspondent shall be in attendance with voting privileges
at each Executive Council Meeting. The Executive Council shall make every
effort to encourage this participation by providing pertinent information
to each Regional Correspondent on the same basis as the National Officers
during the year. Appropriate notice and financial support shall be given
to the voting Regional Correspondent by the Executive Council. The voting
Regional Correspondent shall be the Regional Correspondent from the Region
hosting the next Grand Council.
CHAPTER III - OBLIGATIONS OF THE ACTIVE CHAPTERS TO THE NATIONAL OFFICE
Number 1.
If necessary, an annual assessment shall be levied upon each Chapter by
the Grand Officers to provide for the functions of the national
organization. The amount assessed is to be proportional to the membership
of each active chapter and the total maximum yearly amount shall be
determined by each Grand Council according to the economic needs of the
national organization.
Number 2.
(a) At the opening of each academic year each Chapter Worthy Keeper of
Records and Seals shall forward to the Executive Director a certified list
of members and pledges and shall notify him of all further pledges and
initiates.
(b) Any Chapter that shall knowingly falsify the Chapter membership report
for the purpose of evading the payment of the Initiation Fee, shall be
deprived of a vote in Grand Council, and upon proof of repetition of the
offense the Charter of said Chapter shall be revoked.
(c) Each person initiated into the Fraternity shall pay one Initiation
Fee, the amount of which is determined by the Grand Council at its
meetings. The Worthy Keeper of Finance of the active Chapter shall be
responsible for the collection and payment of this fee to the Executive
Director. The Initiation Fee for newly initiated members shall be
forwarded to the National Office, in full, within 72 hours following
initiation of the new member.
(d) Membership certificates must be ordered within 72 hours after the
initiation of new members.
Number 3.
The Initiation Fee shall be determined by the active Chapter. This fee,
however, must be sufficient to cover the entire Per Capita Tax payment of
the new member, the rental of an official pin or key, and the rental of a
membership certificate, all of which shall be forwarded to the Executive
Director within 72 hours, following the initiation of each new member. The
active Chapters may require an additional amount if it so desires.
Number 4.
(a) The pin and membership certificate of each member of the Fraternity
shall be the property of the Chapter to which he paid his Initiation Fee,
said fee to cover its rental to him as long as he is in good standing.
(b) A jeweled pin may be rented by payment to the Chapter of the
difference in purchase price between the regular pin and the jeweled pin
desired.
Number 5.
The official emblems of the Fraternity, the method of obtaining them and
their uses shall be:
(a) The Official Pin shall be of high quality, the gold composition of
which shall be determined by the Executive Council, and fitted with a
durable safety clasp.
(1) A plain triangular pin in shape, with point at the bottom, one-half
inch in size, having a wide beveled border and a raised black enamel
center. The letters Phi Delta Chi to be shown in gold, flush with the
surface of the black enameled center, the Delta slightly larger than the
Phi and Chi.
(2) A crown set jeweled pin of the same size and description as the plain
pin, but with stones set in the border and held in place with separate
clamps.
(3) The pin shall be worn over the heart and on the vest or shirt by all
members.
(4) The pin shall be purchased by a Chapter from the official jeweler
through the Executive Director. The Executive Director may appoint a Pin
Custodian who shall perform the duties of the Executive Director in
authorizing the official jeweler to fill orders for jewelry. The official
jeweler shall be determined by the Executive Council.
(5) The design of the pin shall not be used on any favor or article of
jewelry.
(6) No person who is not a member of the Fraternity, except a member's
mother, father, sister, brother, daughter, son, spouse, or fiancee, shall
be allowed to wear the pin.
(b) Pledge Button which shall be the shape of the official pin but
one-eighth inch in size, with wine enameled border finished gold
plate.
(c) A Coat of Arms as adopted by the Grand Council in 1911.
(d) Five inch Wall Plaque as selected by the 1931 Grand Council.
(e) An Electric Emblem as adopted by the 1925 Grand Council.
(f) A Banner, as adopted by the 1950 Grand Council.
(g) A Flag, as adopted by the 1973 Grand Council.
(h) An Official Emblem of the Fraternity shall be an Identification Button
composed of three Greek letters, Phi, Delta, and Chi, combined in
horizontal position.
(i) An Identification Card shall be made available to all chapters. Such
cards are to be printed by the National Office for presentation to a new
member along with his certificate when financial obligations of initiation
are paid. Such cards are to be of a size to fit a wallet.
Number 6.
(a) Each member of an active Chapter shall receive a copy of each edition
of The Communicator.
(b) Each Chapter failing to have their required submission in for each
issue of The Communicator shall be fined an amount determined by
the Grand Vice President for Communications.
Number 7.
Names and qualifications of all persons proposed for honorary membership
shall be submitted in writing to the Executive Council for approval.
Number 8.
November Second shall be known as Founder's Day and shall be observed with
an appropriate ceremony by each active and alumni Chapter.
Number 9.
A Chapter inspection may be held at any time the Executive Council may
decide that it is necessary. In an emergency or where a Grand Officer is
called by school authorities, the Chapter in question shall pay all
expenses incurred in connection with that inspection.
Number 10.
The traveling expenses of the Active Delegate to the Grand Council shall
be paid from the Grand Treasury, the manner and amount to be determined by
the Executive Council.
Number 11.
(a) Each active Chapter or candidate shall submit to the Executive
Director prior to the third session of the Grand Council, the name,
background, and qualifications of each Brother they would consider
qualified to be a member of the Executive Council. This requirement must
be fulfilled before the candidate can be considered by the nominating
committee.
(b) No more than two members representing any Chapter may be eligible to
hold Grand Office at the same time.
CHAPTER IV - ACTIVE CHAPTER GOVERNMENT
Number 1.
A simple majority of the active members of a Chapter shall constitute a
quorum.
Number 2.
In all business meetings of the Chapter the following order shall be
observed:
1. Call to Order.
2. Roll Call.
3. Devotional Exercises. (optional)
4. Reading of Minutes.
5. Report of Officers.
6. Report of Committees.
7. Election of Installation of Officers.
8. Proposals for Membership.
9. Initiation.
10. Unfinished Business.
11. New Business.
12. Fines and Appeals.
13. Remarks for the Good and Welfare of the Fraternity.
14. Appointment of Committees.
15. Second Roll Call.
16. Adjournment.
17. Devotional Exercises. (optional)
Number 3.
In all parliamentary rulings not provided for in the Phi Delta Chi
Constitution and Bylaws, the Fraternity shall be governed by the most
recent revision of Robert's Rules of Order.
Number 4.
When a vote is called for by the Worthy Chief Counselor the voting shall
be compulsory, and any member abstaining shall be fined fifty cents.
Number 5.
It shall be the duty of each member to familiarize himself with the Phi
Delta Chi Constitution, Ritual, Bylaws, House Rules, History, and all
other matters pertaining to the Fraternity. In addition to the above, each
officer shall commit to memory and be able to recite his part of the
Ritual.
Number 6.
No member shall be allowed a seat in the Council Chamber nor have a right
to vote on any matter pertaining to the Fraternity after initiation night
until such time as he has complied with Bylaw Chapter IV, Number 5, and
can answer any and all questions pertaining to matter contained therein.
Number 7.
Each new member must attend each successive meeting after his initiation
and be questioned by the Worthy Chief Counselor as to his qualifications
as specified in Bylaw Chapter IV, Number 6. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the
active members shall then be necessary to show him qualified as to this
requirement.
Number 8.
Any active member who shall absent himself from any meeting of his Chapter
without satisfactory excuse, which shall be presented to the President in
writing within 24 hours prior to said meeting shall be fined a sum
determined by the Worthy Chief Counselor of his Chapter.
Number 9.
Accounts for members and pledges shall be payable one billing term
(monthly, quarterly, or semesterly) in advance, and shall be due on the
first of each billing term. They shall become delinquent if not paid by
the time specified by Chapter Bylaws and shall be subject to a fine of
10%. Any member (or pledge) remaining in arrears at the end of a billing
term shall, at the expiration of that time, be automatically suspended
from the Chapter and shall receive notification from the Executive
Director's office. He/she shall surrender his badge (or pledge button) to
the Chapter Worthy Chief Counselor, shall be permitted to continue his
residence in the Chapter house but not allowed to board there or attend,
or take part in any of the Chapter meetings or activities. The suspension
shall continue until his account is paid in full (including rent and
Chapter dues) during the period of suspension. A delinquent member (or
pledge) believing that existing circumstances warrant his being exempt
from suspension, may, before the 20th day of the billing period, appear
before the appropriate committee and state his reasons for claiming
exemption. If such authority advises that credit be extended, the member
(or pledge) shall furnish a bankable note for the full amount of his
indebtedness and make arrangements to such authority for its retirement.
Number 10.
Each chapter shall have at least one formal meeting each month. Formal
meetings shall include the ceremonial opening and closing of the business
meeting using Ritual and Regalia.
Number 11.
The Worthy Chief Counselor of the Chapters may call special meetings and
must call one on the written request of three members.
Number 12.
The Chapter Worthy Keeper of Finance should have an assistant working with
him.
Number 13.
Any officer who is the subject of scholastic probation by his school shall
be removed from office by the Executive Committee of the chapter until
such time as his probation has been removed.
Number 14.
A member, upon changing schools and wishing to affiliate with a Chapter of
the Fraternity in which he was not initiated, shall bring a certificate
signed by the Worthy Chief Counselor and Worthy Keeper of Records and
Seals of the Chapter from which he came, showing that he is a member in
good standing of that Chapter. This certificate shall be presented to the
Worthy Keeper of Records and Seals of the Chapter with which he wishes to
affiliate.
Number 15.
Any member may be expelled by three-fourths (3/4) vote of the active
members of his Chapter, provided said member shall have been found guilty
of repeated disorderly conduct, nonpayment of dues, fines, or assessments,
or violation of the Phi Delta Chi Constitution, Bylaws, or Ritual. Such
expulsion may take place only after the member has been warned at the
preceding regular meeting and if expulsion is involved, the Chapter shall
retrieve the pin and membership certificate of the member expelled.
Number 16.
Any member having violated any obligation or rule that might subject him
to expulsion shall have the right to trial. All charges must be proffered
at a regular meeting by an active member, and the accused shall be
immediately notified of such charges and directed to appear at the next
regular meeting for trial. If the accused or his representative not be
present, he having disregarded the notice to appear, the trial shall be
conducted as though he were present and a final vote taken. The trial
shall be presided over by the Worthy Chief Counselor. The accused may
request a member to sit in his defense, and the Worthy Chief Counselor
shall appoint a member for prosecution. If a member is expelled, the
Chapter expelling him shall report said action to the Executive Council as
soon as possible.
Number 17.
Any member who has been expelled by a Chapter may appeal to the Grand
Council.
Number 18.
Any person who has been expelled from his Chapter and who has not been
reinstated in the Fraternity by the Grand Council, shall not again be
eligible for membership.
Number 19.
When any person has resigned or has been expelled from the Fraternity, his
Chapter must notify all other Chapters in the Fraternity.
Number 20.
Upon being pledged to the Fraternity the candidate shall sign an agreement
promising to abide by the Constitution, Bylaws, and Ritual, and not to
disclose any secret or method of procedure of this Fraternity that he may
happen to learn before being initiated.
Number 21.
Any member who is in good standing with the Chapter and who for personal
reasons is no longer able to be a part of that Chapter may be temporarily
suspended by a 3/4 vote of that Chapter. The Chapter may remove the
suspension at any later time by a 3/4 vote. Under said suspension the
Chapter is not financially responsible for that member.
Number 22.
Any member may be placed on probation based on local Chapter Bylaws. The
Chapter is responsible for all fraternal requirements of such a member.
CHAPTER V - ALUMNI CHAPTERS
Number 1.
(a) A national alumni committee shall be formed, this committee to make
its report[s] at each meeting of the Grand Council and to consist of the
presidents of the various alumni associations with the Grand Vice
President for Alumni Affairs acting as chairman. This committee will
conduct its affairs by correspondence and all correspondence will be sent
to the chairman whose duty it will be to issue bulletins and have them
sent to each member. Each member of this committee shall send in a
complete report of his own organization, together with personal ideas and
comments. Reports shall then be sent out to every member of the committee
and comments invited so that eventually an ideal organization will be
developed.
(b) This committee shall work to establish alumni associations in the
Chapters not now organized and they shall conduct their work in
cooperation with the Worthy Chief Counselor of the active Chapter, seeing
that he organizes the members who will graduate each year, presenting a
suitable Constitution and Bylaws for their approval. Officers shall be
elected before the members leave college, and report to the Grand Vice
President for Alumni Affairs regarding the work of their association.
Number 2.
(a) All members in good standing upon departing from their college or
university shall have their first year of alumni dues paid by their
chapter. The alumni member shall receive a subscription to The
Communicator and a membership card indicating that his dues have been
paid. The amount of first year alumni dues shall be determined by the
Grand Council.
(b) The National Alumni Life Membership Fee is an amount equal to ten
times the National Alumni Dues payable as a single installment. Those
alumni who have paid dues annually for 30 consecutive years shall
automatically be given Life Memberships upon petitioning the Executive
Council.
Number 3.
A recognized alumni association of any Chapter shall have one vote in the
proceedings of the active Chapter. Each Chapter, if they so choose, may
extend to each individual alumnus one vote for a period of time not to
exceed ninety (90) days, at the end of which the alumni association again
shall have only one vote as a body unless the active Chapter decides
otherwise. If further representation in active Chapter proceedings is
desired for alumni, the consent of the active Chapter concerned and that
of the national Executive Council must first be obtained.